Interrupted by God: Embracing Divine Disruptions
Introduction:
Today, we reflect on a powerful quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God.” Bonhoeffer, a theologian who lived during a time of great crisis, understood the importance of yielding to God's plans, even when they disrupt our own. This concept of divine interruption is deeply rooted in Scripture and challenges us to trust in God's sovereignty over our lives. Are we willing to let God change our plans, redirect our steps, and shape our journey?
In this sermon, we will explore three key areas where God often interrupts us: in our schedules, in our comfort zones, and in our preconceived ideas. Each of these interruptions is an opportunity for growth and deeper faith.
I. Divine Interruptions in Our Schedules
Our lives are often packed with schedules and routines, but what happens when God interrupts our carefully planned days? Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” God’s plans may not always align with our agenda, but His purpose is always higher than ours.
Consider the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37. The priest and the Levite, both busy with their religious duties, missed the opportunity to serve a man in need. But the Samaritan, who allowed himself to be interrupted, became an agent of God’s grace. The Greek word for “compassion” in this passage is splanchnizomai, which means a deep, gut-wrenching feeling of empathy. It wasn't convenient for the Samaritan to stop, but God's interruptions often lead to moments of great impact.
In today’s fast-paced world, it's easy to be so consumed by our schedules that we miss the divine appointments God places in our path. Are we willing to be interrupted for the sake of God’s kingdom?
Let’s be mindful of the divine interruptions in our daily lives. When God redirects our steps, it’s an opportunity to be His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs His love.
Rick Warren reminds us, “You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense.” Yielding to divine interruptions aligns us with God's purpose for our lives.
II. Divine Interruptions in Our Comfort Zones
God also interrupts us by calling us out of our comfort zones. In Matthew 14:22-33, we see Peter’s willingness to step out of the boat and walk on water towards Jesus. The comfort of the boat represented safety and familiarity, but Jesus called Peter to something greater—trusting Him in the midst of the storm.
The Hebrew word shalom, meaning peace, doesn’t just refer to the absence of conflict, but a wholeness that comes from God. When we allow God to interrupt our comfort zones, He leads us into a deeper peace that comes from trusting Him completely, even when the waters seem treacherous.
Many of us cling to our routines and avoid risks, but faith often requires us to step into the unknown. Are we willing to leave behind what’s comfortable to follow where God leads?
Let’s be willing to embrace the discomfort of divine interruptions. When God calls us to step out in faith, we can trust that He is leading us towards His peace and purpose.
Francis Chan once said, “But God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come through.”
III. Divine Interruptions in Our Preconceived Ideas
God often interrupts our thinking by challenging our preconceived ideas. In Acts 10, we find Peter having a vision that breaks down his understanding of clean and unclean. God tells him not to call anything impure that He has made clean, leading to the inclusion of Gentiles into the early church. Peter's willingness to be interrupted by God allowed the gospel to reach beyond Jewish boundaries.
The Greek word for “vision” in this passage is horama, which implies a revelation or divine insight. God's interruptions often challenge our assumptions and broaden our understanding of His kingdom. Are we open to having our minds transformed by God’s truth?
Romans 12:2 (NLT) says, “Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Allowing God to interrupt our thinking leads to renewal and transformation.
Let’s be open to divine interruptions that challenge our minds and broaden our understanding of God’s plan. When God shifts our perspective, He invites us to see the world through His eyes.
Tim Keller states, “To stay away from Christianity because part of the Bible's teaching is offensive assumes that if there is a God, He wouldn't have any views that upset you.”
IV. Divine Interruptions at the Lord’s Table
The ultimate divine interruption in history is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, God interrupted the course of human sin and provided a way for redemption. Communion, the Lord’s Supper, is a time when we remember this divine interruption and celebrate the new life it brings.
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NLT), Paul recounts the words of Jesus at the Last Supper: “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” The Greek word anamnesis is used here, which means a deep, active remembrance—a participation in the reality of Christ’s sacrifice.
Communion is a powerful reminder that God interrupts the cycle of sin and death with grace and redemption. As we partake in the bread and the cup, we are reminded that God’s interruptions bring new life.
Let’s approach the Lord’s Table with a heart that is open to God’s interruptions. As we remember Christ’s sacrifice, let’s also be willing to let Him disrupt our lives with His grace and lead us into the fullness of life He offers.
John Piper reminds us, “The Lord’s Supper is a celebration of the death of Christ, but even more it is a celebration of the gospel of the death of Christ—the gifts of love that He purchased for us.”
Conclusion:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s words challenge us to be open to God’s divine interruptions. Whether it’s in our schedules, our comfort zones, our thinking, or our very lives through the remembrance of communion, God’s interruptions are opportunities for growth, transformation, and deeper faith.
Call to Action:
This week, let’s ask ourselves: Are we ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God? Are we willing to let Him change our plans, challenge our comfort zones, and transform our thinking? Let’s approach each day with a heart open to His divine interruptions, trusting that His ways are always higher and His plans always better.
Let’s also come to the Lord’s Table, ready to be interrupted by His grace and reminded of the sacrifice that changes everything. God is always at work in our lives—let’s be ready to embrace His divine disruptions with faith and trust.
Amen.
